Ronald “Ron” James Croxell, the son of Russell and Frieda (Lill) Croxell, was born June 13, 1939, at the family home in Griswold, IA. Ron passed away January 23, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Villisca, IA, at the age of 85 years, 7 months, and 10 days.
During WWII, while his father Russell served his country, Ron lived with his mother Frieda and his two brothers, Tom and Dick, in Cushing, IA. After the war, the family returned to Griswold, where Ron graduated with the class of 1957.
Ron met his future wife, Dorothy Lary, at the age of 15, and they married in 1959 at St. Johns Church in Lyman. Together, they had three children: Brian, Michael, and Patricia. Ron began his career in management with Joyce Lumber in 1960 in Hills, IA, and later worked in Muscatine and Albert City. In 1978, he co-founded C&W Lumberyard with his partner Danny Weaver, where he worked until his retirement in 2003.
Throughout his career, Ron held offices with Lumberman’s Independent, Northwest Lumbermen’s, and Iowa Lumbermen. He also served with the Griswold Fire Department for 23 years, was a 50-year Mason, and was active with the Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Adjustments for the Cass County Assessor. Ron had a passion for fishing, music, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Dorothy Croxell; his children Brian Croxell and special friend Pamela Anderson, Michael Croxell and wife Kelly, and Patricia Karwal; his grandchildren Kirby Karwal and wife Alyssa, Kaci Croxell and fiancée Tyler Christensen, and Tyler Croxell and special friend Toni Elliott; and his great-grandchildren Vivian Karwal, Evan Croxell, Oliver Christensen, and Ellie Boulter. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life visitation with Ron’s family will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 1:30 PM until 4:00 PM at the Griswold Community Building. In lieu of flowers. A memorial fund is being established. Interment will take place at a later date. Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is assisting the family with arrangements.
